Return of Utgarda

by Anastasia T Wolfe

Loki's been sprung, impersonating Odin, and this time the old man doesn't want to deal, and so he sends Loki away. Stripped of his powers and in SHIELD custody with a jailer that can see through his trickery, Loki is really going to hate this. And then suddenly bad guys. This is going to be more fun than a bag full of cats.

37. Chapter 37

"We're miles away!" Loki complained.

"At least we are no longer in the river," Hogun noted.

"Your sunny optimism delights me," Loki replied cynically.

Yep, Tony had grabbed them all and put them down on one of the major traffic bridges on and off Manhattan Island, and either they needed the Flash, or they needed transport. They also needed a plan. Step one was get to Manhattan, which was going to be easy considering everyone was leaving, but finding a vehicle would be the bad part.

"Tones, Thor, you can get to the tower quicker," Bella said, "Tony, recon, get me a weak spot. The only way to beat this army is to go for the leader. Send me tower schematics to my phone. Thor, give me a recon on troop movements. Take your brother with you."

Loki sighed, "Just like old times," he muttered under his breath.

"No, Isabella, the only way to get to the leader is to kill any Frost Giant that gets in our way!"

"Exactly like old times," Fandral shrugged.

"You may be immortal, but I am not," Bella snapped back, "an army this big versus the eight of us, if we go in your way, they will slaughter us. That is why we need covert recon, and that is why all of you will follow my directions."

"She has a point," Sif noted.

"We must fight our way to the leader, only then will we be able to save the realms, as they will all be dead."

Loki was going red as he fought to hold in the tension. It didn't work, "Shut up!" he yelled, "shut up, shut up, shut up!" and they did, "Thor, you are not thinking, again. We are surrounded, we are outnumbered, the only way to win this battle is not by brute strength, but by careful planning."

"Listen, brother," Thor rose to the bait, "we must attack now in order to prevent them forming a coherent defense."

"For once in your life, you listen, Thor, you useless, pathetic waste of skin!" Everyone was silent for a moment, "you heard me. Your 'plan', as you call it will get us all killed, and I do not want to die, and I am sure that none of you want to either. What about listening to someone who knows the area, someone who knows what to expect? For once, would it kill you?" he relaxed slightly, "bring a good warrior takes more than knowing when to lead; it is also knowing when to follow."

Bella nodded, "you really should write that down."

Thor's face twisted into a scowl, "yes, commander."

"And you better remember that," Bella snapped, "go."